How to apply to the PhD in Nursing & Health Science Program at the University of Rochester.
The University of Rochester School of Nursing uses a comprehensive, holistic review process during which each applicant receives individual consideration. For the PhD program, we seek applicants who:
- are highly motivated and prepared to pursue the rigorous program of study;
- demonstrate strong communication skills (verbal and written) and the ability to conceptualize;
- want to pursue a program of research consistent with faculty research areas;
- show leadership potential;
- are committed to upholding the values of the school and profession.
For the MS-PhD in Nursing Combined Accelerated pathway we also seek applicants who clearly understand the master’s specialty role to which they are seeking admission.
Application Deadlines
Apply to the PhD in Nursing & Health Science program to start in the fall semester. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Applications received by Jan. 15 will qualify for additional University of Rochester scholarships (outside of tuition coverage and stipend).
Program Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the PhD in Nursing & Health Science program:
- Master’s degree from an accredited school
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 from any graduate-level work
- Clinical licensure in a health profession, such as nursing, social work or similar clinical practice field
- English language proficiency
Applicants must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the MS-PhD Accelerated program:
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited school (minimum GPA of 3.0)
- RN licensure from New York State
- Clinical experience if applying to one of the following nurse practitioner specialties:
- AGACNP: one-year clinical experience in acute care
- PNP/NNP: a master’s in maternal-infant/maternal-child health, or pediatrics; and two years NICU experience in the last five years
- English language proficiency
Application Requirements
To complete an application for the PhD program, create an account and complete all sections of the application. Submit the following materials by uploading to your application portal.
- Official transcripts from all schools attended
- Three letters of recommendation from doctorally-prepared academics
- Current resume or CV
- TOEFL, IELTS, or DET scores for applicants who are non-native English speakers
As part of the application for the PhD program, you must also submit a writing sample and a professional goal statement. The prompts for the writing sample and the essay have been listed here for reference.
Writing Sample
A writing sample is required for the PhD program. The writing sample provides additional insight on your scholarly writing ability. The sample needs to be written in English and may be a paper from past academic work. You may submit published works if you are the first, second, senior, or corresponding author. This document may be uploaded through your portal before you submit your application.
Professional Goal Statement Prompt
The goal of the PhD program is to prepare researchers who will contribute to knowledge that will enhance clinical practice. Graduates will assume leadership positions in academia and clinical research roles. The purpose of this statement is for you to provide information about yourself as well as to demonstrate your ability to express ideas clearly and logically in a grammatically correct format.
Please write a well-organized statement (which you may upload into the online application) describing:
- The aspects of your background that have led you to seek a PhD degree, including experiences that have increased your sensitivity to inequality and health disparities;
- Your plans for your career following completion of the PhD program;
- How the goals and content of our research-based PhD program will enable you to meet these career aims;
- A specific clinical problem or issue you would like to address using your skills as a beginning researcher;
- Specific faculty in the University of Rochester School of Nursing whose research programs overlap with your research interests and may be possible mentors for you.
Learn more about how to complete the application and upload these materials.
Application Review Process
Once you complete your application, you may receive a follow-up email to schedule an interview with members of our Admissions Review Committee, including the PhD Program Director.
We look forward to reviewing your application!
Start your application